BOSTON and Skegness MP Mark Simmonds has thrown his weight behind radical reforms to the secondary school examination system.

Education secretary Michael Gove claimed the change would mean an end to falling standards by replacing GCSEs with the English Baccalaureate Certificate (EBacc).

Mr Gove said: "The change wIll deliver more rigorous testing at 16 by scrapping re-sits and cutting back on coursework in favour of end-of-year exams."

Under the plans, EBaccs will replace GCSEs in the core subjects although concerns have been raised that the EBacc may leave less academically gifted pupils on the scrap heap.

But Mr Simmonds has fought back at the claims stating that it will prepare youngsters for success in the workplace.

He said: "These changes will ensure that young people in Boston and Skegness have an exam system that matches the world's best and prepares them for success in the workplace

"Equally, they will mean that local businesses have access to the skills that they need to thrive.

"For too long under Labour, politicians tried to take parents for fools with tall tales of ever-improving results but from this week, exams will no longer be about making our politicians feel good, but about making sure our young people do well."

Meanwhile executive councillor for children's services at Lincolnshire County Council Patricia Bradwell said the EBacc still had time to be properly developed before it is introduced.

She told the Target: "I hope to see rigorous examinations which are fit for purpose.

"It is vital all abilities and capabilities are assessed and that these help young people demonstrate their skills and knowledge."